Watercraft



A118 11, 1964 w. R. CHAPMAN 3,143,996-

` WATERCRAFT Filed July 16, 19654 INVENTOR W/LL/AM R CHAPMAN UnitedStates Patent O 3,143,996 WATERCRAFT William R. Chapman, 6715 S. KarlovAve., Chicago 29, Ill. Filed July 16, 1963, Ser. No. 295,384 8 Claims.(Cl. 11S-70) My invention relates to a watercraft, and moreparticularly, to a combination pontoon and outrigger ski type watercraftarranged to be self-propelled and providing a ride that is attractiveyet safe for all age groups. f Most conventional watercraft arrangementsof the selfpropelled water ski or pontoon type are either comparativelycomplex and expensive arrangements or they require considerable skilland vigor to operate, or both. Since these factors necessarily havelimited the market possibilities of such devices to those affluent andagile enough to finance and operate them, they have not met with thepopularity and wide acceptance of which they are susceptible ofachieving.

A principal object of my invention is to provide a watercraft of theself-propelled type that is entertaining and safe to operate.

Another principal object of my invention is to provide a self-propelledwatercraft that provides a strikingly different type of ride which canbe safely handled regardless of age or agility.-

Still other objects of the invention are to provide a watercraft thatcombines the pleasures `of boating, water skiing and surfboarding, toprovide a watercraft which is operated by standard type outboard motorsof low or moderate horsepower rating, and to provide a watercraft thatis inexpensive of manufacture, easy and convenient to use, and equallyadapted for use on inland as well as ocean waters.

Other objects, uses, and advantages will be obvious or become apparentfrom a consideration of the following detailed description and theapplication drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE l is a frontal perspective view illustrating a proven embodimentof my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the watercraft shown in FIGURE 1, on aslightly enlarged scale;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the watercraft shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a front end view of the watercraft shown in FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmental plan view, largely diagrammatic in nature,illustrating the motor and operating handle that is employed inconnection with the illustrated watercraft.

However, it is to be understood that the specific drawing illustrationsprovided are supplied primarily to comply with the requirements of 35U.S.C. 112 and that the invention is susceptible of other embodimentsthat will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Consequently, theappended claims are to be construed as broadly as the relevant prior artwill permit.

Reference numeral generally indicates a preferred embodiment of theinvention, which comprises a pontoon member 12, a pair of Outrigger skis14 and 16, a iiexible crossboard 18 that interconnects the skis 14 and16 with lthe pontoon member 12, a motor mount 20, an outboard motor 22,and a looped operating handle 24 for steering the watercraft at lowspeed, and for bracing the operator when operating the watercraft.

The pontoon 12 comprises a hollow body 30 formed to define asubstantially planar top or upper surface 32, substantially upright sidesurfaces 34 that are convexly curved at the forward end of the pontoonmember as at 36 to define a relatively narrow front end or bow 38, asubstantially ilat downwardly tapering forward bottom ice surface 40,and a pair of rear bottom surfaces 42 that taper downwardly slightlyfrom the sides of the pontoon to form a shallow ridge 44 along thecenter of the boat at its stern.

The pontoon member 12 of the illustrated embodiment is formed frommarine plywood, but obviously the materials to be employed are a matterof choice and design.

The crossboard 18 comprises a sheet of marine plywood having sufficientflexibility to permit the skis 14 and 16 to be deflected upwardly ordownwardly on the order of three inches. The crossboard 18 is fixed tothe pontoon member 12 by appropriate bolts 50 and is shaped to defineoutwardly extending portions 52 that project laterally and outwardly ofthe sides 34 of the pontoon member and have the respective skis 14 and16 fixed to their outwardly projecting ends 54. As indicated in thedrawings, the crossboard 18 extends transversely of the pontoon member12, and it is substantially trapezoidal in configuration. f

Mounted on the upper surface 56 of the crossboard are a pair of skishoes 58 which are positioned to define a forwardly facing operatorsposition generally indicated at 60 adjacent, but just aft of themidportion of the pontoon member 12.

The ski shoes 58 may be of any suitable type and are customarily shapedto define foot pockets 62 in which the entrance end is at 64. Inaccordance with this invention, the ski shoes or foot pocket should bepositioned so that they are disposed outwardly of the sides 34 of thepontoon member 12, as clearly shown in FIGURE 2.

The water skis 14 each comprise a flat member 70 formed with a planarbottom surface '72, a tapering forward end 74, and a blunt rear end 76.Each ski is reinforced by vertically disposed ribs 78 and 80, with therespective skis being secured to the crossboard 18 by employing suitablescrews or bolts 82 that pass through the crossboard into the respectiveribs 78 and 80.

In accordance with this invention, the skis 14 and 16 are positionedwith respect to the pontoon member 12 such that the bottom surfaceQ ofthe skis 72 are disposed weil above the bottom of the pontoon memberadjacent its midportion and rear or stern end, as clearly shown in FIG-URES 3 and 4.

Also, the skis are disposed so that their respective members aresubstantially parallel to the top surface 32 of the pontoon member 12.

. The pontoon member 12 at its rear end carries the motor mount 20,which comprises an angle bracket defining a pontoon engaging portion 92which is secured to the pontoon member by employing appropriate bolts,screws or the like (not shown), an upright flange portion 94 to whichthe motor 22 is secured by employing the customary screw clamps 96, anda centrally disposed diagonal brace plate 98 for reinforcement purposes.

p The motor 22 may be of any conventional type of outboard motorprovided with the usual propeller 100 and motive arrangement for drivingsame as well as the usual arrangement for rotating the downwardlyprojecting housing portion 102 of the motor about a substantiallyvertical axis 104 for purposes of steering the craft.

Conventional outboard motors ordinarily are provided witha forwardlyextending handle portion 106 for this purpose, though in the case of themotor shown, it is intended to represent the tive horsepower ClintonChief model made by Clinton Motors of Clinton, Michigan,

i which ordinarily includes a rectangular handle structure to be swungvertically about axis 114 to a substantially upright position, isprovided with the special handle structure 24 that is fixed to theoperating handle portion 112 and extends forwardly and over theoperators position 60.

The handle structure 24 comprises a looped member 120 defining an opencenter portion 122 in which the operator stands to operate thewatercraft. The member 120 may be formed from tubular aluminum or thelike and includes an attachment extension portion 124 that is receivedover the operating handle portion 112 and fixed thereto by employingappropriate bolts 126.

As indicated in FIGURES l and 2, the handle structure 24 is shaped todefine a forwardly and outwardly diverging forward end portion 130 whichterminates in a handlebar portion 132 that is rectilinear inconfiguration lengthwise thereof and extends transversely of the pontoonmember 12 at an elevation above the pontoon member surface 32 whichpermits it to be readily grasped by the operator when he stands withinthe open center 122 of the handle structure 24 with his feet in the skishoes 58.

The handle structure 24 in the illustrated embodiment inclines upwardlyin a forward direction to dispose the handlebar portion 132 at thedesired elevation.

The handlebar structure 24 may be provided with one or more reinforcingbars 136 as may be necessary or adviseable in accordance with prudentdesign.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention at the forward side ofcrossboard 18 on its top surface 56 is shaped to define a receptacle 140to receive gasoline tank 142 that is provided to refuel the motor 22 andto counterbalance the weight of the motor.

The receptacle 140 may be formed by securing strips 144 and 146 to thecrossboard 18 in a rectangular configuration appropriate to receive thegas tank 142.

In operation, the watercraft is placed in the Water and an outboardmotor equivalent to motor 22 is applied to its rear end in the usualmanner to motor mount 20. The handle structure 24 is then secured inplace by slipping its attachment portion 124 over the swinging handleportion 112 of operating handle 106 and applying the bolts 126.

Assuming the motor is gassed up and the gasoline tank 142 is placed inits receptacle 140, the operator climbs onto the watercraft, and liftsthe handle structure 24 to pivot same about the axis 114 so that he canposition himself within its open center 122. Alternately, the handlestructure 124 may be moved downwardly about the usual horizontal axispivot that motors 22 are provided with to lift the propeller 100 out ofthe water, which disposes the forward portion 130 of the handlestructure 24 adjacent the top surface or deck 32 of the pontoon member12.

After the operator has stepped into position, and inserted his feet inthe customary manner within ski shoes S8, he disposes the handlestructure 24 in the appropriate position to comfortably grasp thehandlebar portion 132. Parenthetically, it may be pointed out that theswinging joint 110 customarily includes a stop arrangement whereindicated at 150 to prevent the handle portion 112 from being swungbelow a horizontal position, although the portion 112 customarily may bemoved to a substantially upright position. The angulation of theforwardly extending portion 130 of handle structure 24 should besufficiently flat so that when the handle portion 112 is in itslowerrnost horizontal position (assuming the motor propeller 100 is inits immersed position), persons of smaller stature will nd the handlebarportion 132 comfortably positioned. Thus, the handle structure 24 willbe automatically adjustable for taller persons.

Assuming the motor 22 is running, the operator uses the handle structure24 to steer the craft onto open water, by moving the operating handle106 to the left or to the right, as indicated by the double headed arrow152,

to turn the motor about its vertical pivot axis 104, after which themotor 22 may be accelerated.

For convenience, a suitable throttle control may be conveniently appliedto the handle structure 24 at some point along handlebar portion 132 togive the operator ready control over the motor 22.

In any event, when the operator reaches open water, he speeds up themotor to increase his speed, which causes the pontoon member 12 to planewhereby its forward end lifts out of the water, and the Water contact ofthe bottom of the pontoon member moves toward the rear of the craft, andat the same time, the rear or stern of the craft moves downwardlyas thespeed increases.

This lowering action of the rear end of the craft also tilts the forwardends of the skis 14 and 16 upwardly and at the same time lowers theirlower ends into the water and as the speed increases, the frictionalcontact of the craft with the water is gradually transferred to asubstantial degree to the skis. This lowering of the stern of the craftthus tends to flex the outwardly extending portions 52 of the crossmember 52 to provide a smooth floating action between the skis and thepontoon member.

At higher speeds, the operator need not shift the handle structure 24 tosteer the craft, but rather, this may be done by the shifting of hisweight from one ski shoe to the other. The mounting or positioning ofthe ski shoes outboard of the sides of the pontoon member provides theleverage action on the skis that create the desired turn. Thus, to turnthe craft to the right, one shifts his weight to the right foot, and thesharpness of the turn will depend upon the amount of Weight shift.

The substantially flat bottom `of the pontoon and the flat bottoms ofthe skis provide a distinct sliding action rather than a smooth turn,and it has been found that this sliding action is an attractive aspectof this invention.

As already indicated, the frictional contact of the craft with the wateris substantially transverse to the .Outrigger skis, to the extent thatthe skis will provide perhaps on the order of 60 to 70 percent of thefrictional contact with the water. This creates a bowing action lon thecross member 18 that turns the skis upwardly and outwardly along theirouter edges somewhat, and disposes them for sensitive engagement withthe water surface.

It will thus be seen that the watercraft 10 is readily operated byanyone inclined toward water sports, and since the operator is rigidlyheld to the craft by the holding action on his feet of the `ski shoes aswell as the firm grip provided by the handle structure 24, the operatoris fully stabilized and supported against dislodgement due to bumps andthe like.

The operator will find that through the use of the handle structure 24,the distribution of his weight on. his feet, and the throttling of themotor 22, he can make just about any type of sharp turn that he desires.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pontoon member 12 is24 inches wide by l2 linches deepwith a tapered hull 8 feet long, inwhich the surface 40 of the hull tapers approximately 8 inches in 5 feetand the remainder of the hull tapers approximately 2 inches in theremaining 3 feet. The crossboard 18 is formed by a three-quarter inch(thickness) pfiece of marine plywood, 24 inches wide by 6 feet long. Theskis 14 and 16 are 4 feet in length and -18 inches wide and are formedfrom three-quarter inch (thickness) laminated white pine, with thereinforcement members being 2 inch by 6 inch white pine piecesappropriately shaped as indicated.

The motor mount of the illustrated embodiment is a fabricated memberapplied to the stern of the boat to dispose the flange portion 94 in anupright position to properly mount the motor 22 in place. Mount 20 inthis embodiment happens to be formed out of a one-quarter inch mildsteel welded in place.

It will therefore be seen that I have provided a novel and simplifiedwatercraft which is inexpensive of manu- 'ern facture, convenient andsafe to use, and capable of providing a stimulating and amusing ride ofa character not heretofore experienced in this art.

The watercraft l0 is readily operated by light, low horsepower motors sothat the. expense of enjoyment is kept to a minimum, and is well withinthe range of the ordinary water sport enthusiast.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explainand illustrate my invention and the invention is not to be limitedthereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, sincethose skilled in the art who have my disclosure before them will be ableto make modifications and variations therein without departing from thescope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A watercraft comprising:

a pontoon member,

a crossboard carried by said pontoon member and extending transverselyof said pontoon member,

said crossboard including oppositely projecting end portions extendingaway from the respective sides of said pontoon member,

a ski member secured to each of said crossboard end portions and spacedfrom said pontoonmember,

a pair of foot pockets positioned on said crossboard member on eitherside of said pontoon member, motor means carried by said pontoon memberfor propelling said craft along the water,

and handle means secured to said motor means for steering said craft,

said handle means including a handle portion disposed for hand grippingwhen the operator stands in said` pockets.

2. A watercraft comprising:

a pontoon member,

a pair of skis positioned on either side of said pontoon member,

said skis respectively being spaced from said pontoon member andextending substantially parallel thereto,

a crossboard secured to the top of said pontoon member and extendingtransversely thereof,

said crossboard defining oppositely extending end portions projectinglaterally away from said pontoon member,

one of said skis being secured to one of said crossboard end portions,and the other of said skis being secured to the other of said endportions,

outboard motor means secured to the rear end of said pontoon forpropelling said craft,

a pair of operator foot pockets positioned on said crossboard on eitherside of said pontoon member and defining a forwardly facing operatorsposition,

and a forwardly extending handle secured to said motor means andprojecting above said operators position at a standing positionelevation,

said handle defining a loop in which the operator stands when in saidoperating position.

3. A watercraft comprising:

a pontoon member,

a pair of skis positioned on either side of said pontoon member,

said skis respectively being spaced from said pontoon member andextending substantially parallel thereto,

a crossboard secured to the top of said pontoon member and extendingtransversely thereof,

said crossboard defining oppositely extending end portions projectinglaterally away from said pontoon member,

one of said skis being secured to one of said crossboard end portions,and the other of said skis being secured to the other of said endportions,

means for securing an outboard motor to the rear end of said pontoon forpropelling said craft,

a pair of operator foot pockets positioned on said crossboard on eitherside of said pontoon member and defining a forwardly facing operatorsposition,

and a forwardly extending handle secured to said motor means andprojecting above said operators position at a standing positionelevation,

said handle defining a loop in which the operator stands in saidoperating position,

said handle loop including a rectilinear handle gripping portionextending transversely of said pontoon member and disposed forpositioning in front of the operator when he is standing in saidoperators position.

4. A watercraft comprising:

a pontoon member, l

a pair of Outrigger skis positioned on either side of said pontoonmember,

said skis respectively being spaced from said pontoon member andextending substantially parallel thereto,

a crossboard secured to the top of said pontoon member and extendingtransversely thereof,

said crossboard defining oppositely extending end por tions projectinglaterally away from said pontoon member,

one of said skis being secured to one of said crossboard end portions,and the other of said skis being secured to the other of said endportions,

a pair of operator foot pockets positioned on said crossboard on eitherside of said pontoon member and defining a forwardly facing operatorsposition,

outboard motor means operatively secured to the rear end of said pontoonfor propelling said craft,

said youtboard motor means including forwardly projecting handle meansfor steering the craft,

and a forwardly extending handle secured to said motor means handlemeans and projecting above said operators position at a standingposition elevation,

said handle defining a loop in which the operator stands when in saidoperating position,

said handle loop including a rectilinear handle gripping positionextending transversely of said pontoon member and disposed forpositioning in front of the operator when he is standing in saidoperators position.

5. The watercraft set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said end portions of said crossboard are resiliently flexible,

and wherein said skis are positioned at a level equivalent toapproximately four inches above the bottom of said pontoon member,

Whereby when the craft is moving the operator by shifting his weightwith respect to said foot pockets can turn the craft.

6. The watercraft set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said motor handle includes an upwardly swingable portion, whereby saidloop may be swung upwardly out olf vertical alignment with saidoperators position.

7. The water craft set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said pontoon member on the upper surface thereof forwardly of butadjacent said crossboard is formed to define a gas tank receivingrecess,

and including a gas tank removably positioned in said recess.

8. The watercraft set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said pontoon member and said skis have substantially keelless bottomconfigurations.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,969,037 Vogt Jan. 24, 1961 3,081,729 Lee Mar. 19, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS1,026,729 France Feb. 4, 1953

1. A WATERCRAFT COMPRISING: A PONTOON MEMBER, A CROSSBOARD CARRIED BYSAID PONTOON MEMBER AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID PONTOON MEMBER,SAID CROSSBOARD INCLUDING OPPOSITELY PROJECTING END PORTIONS EXTENDINGAWAY FROM THE RESPECTIVE SIDES OF SAID PONTOON MEMBER, A SKI MEMBERSECURED TO EACH OF SAID CROSSBOARD END PORTIONS AND SPACED FROM SAIDPONTOON MEMBER, A PAIR OF FOOT POCKETS POSITIONED ON SAID CROSSBOARDMEMBER ON EITHER SIDE OF SAID PONTOON MEMBER, MOTOR MEANS CARRIED BYSAID PONTOON MEMBER FOR PROPELLING SAID CRAFT ALONG THE WATER, ANDHANDLE MEANS SECURED TO SAID MOTOR MEANS FOR STEERING SAID CRAFT, SAIDHANDLE MEANS INCLUDING A HANDLE PORTION DISPOSED FOR HAND GRIPPING WHENTHE OPERATOR STANDS IN SAID POCKETS.